Take the trentbarton sixes bus service and discover more of Derbyshire

Stretching from Derby through Belper, Cromford, Matlock Bath and all the way to Bakewell, the sixes route feels less like public transport and more like a guided tour through mill towns, limestone valleys, heritage railways and Peak District scenery. The 6.1 service calls at some of Derbyshire’s best-known attractions and hidden gems in a way that makes car-free exploring wonderfully easy.

Starting in Derby

The journey begins in Derby, often overlooked by visitors rushing towards the National Park, Derby has quietly developed a fascinating mix of industrial heritage, riverside culture and modern attractions.

A perfect place to begin is the Museum of Making, located inside the historic Silk Mill beside the River Derwent. The museum celebrates Derby’s role in innovation and manufacturing, with interactive exhibits covering everything from engineering to railways and local inventions. Housed within what is often considered the world’s first modern factory, and it the 1st point within the UNESCO Derwent Valley World Heritage Site.

Not far away, Derby Cathedral offers a calmer contrast. Its striking tower dominates the city skyline, and climbing to the top rewards visitors with sweeping views across Derbyshire and, on clear days, towards the Peak District itself.

For something more contemporary, Electric Daisy has become one of Derby’s most popular independent spots — combining café culture, creativity and a relaxed atmosphere that reflects the city’s growing independent scene.

And perhaps the most relaxing way to see Derby is from the water. River cruises along the Derwent offer a gentler perspective on the city, drifting past parks, historic bridges and riverside wildlife before the journey north begins.

Once back on board the sixes, the urban landscape gradually gives way to greener valley scenery as the route follows the river Derwent.

Belper: A gem of a town

Belper deserves a stop in its own right. The town riverside setting, historic mills and independent cafés make it an ideal first hop-off point.

Spend some time wandering through the old streets before heading to the nearby River Gardens or exploring the Derwent Valley Heritage Way. If you enjoy slower travel, Belper rewards simply taking your time.

From here, the sixes heads further into Derbyshire via Wirksworth, Cromford and Matlock before reaching Bakewell.

Wirksworth and Middleton: Creative Corners of the Peaks

As the bus climbs beyond Belper, the scenery changes dramatically. Dry stone walls begin to appear and the route starts to feel unmistakably Peak District.

Wirksworth is one of Derbyshire’s most characterful towns — a maze of steep lanes, old cottages and independent businesses. It has an artistic, slightly bohemian atmosphere, helped by its annual arts festival and thriving local community.

Visit the National Stone Centre and explore the wonders of geology and how the world around was formed, a short walk away is the Star Disc - an illuminated 21st century stone circle, carved into black granite is a star chart that mirrors the northern hemisphere’s night sky.

Take a steam train ride at Ecclesbourne Valley Railway nearby — a heritage line run by a dedicated team of volunteers who help to preserve the charm of classic rail travel.

Nearby Middleton offers access to cycling routes and countryside walks, including links to the High Peak Trail. It’s also a good place to slow the pace entirely and enjoy the quieter side of the Peaks.

Cromford and the Story of the Industrial Revolution

Cromford is home to Cromford Mills, established by Sir Richard Arkwright in the 18th century and widely regarded as the birthplace of the modern factory system. Take a tour of the mill or explore the shops and café in the courtyard, Cromford Mills hosts a myriad of events through the year – check out their event calendar.

The Cromford Canal offers walk along the towpath leading through wooded valleys and beneath dramatic cliffs or explore the pretty village with its village pond and a variety of local independent shops including the famous Scarthin Bookshop - browse this treasure trove of books, old and new. It’s easy to spend an entire afternoon here without ever needing a car.

Matlock Bath: Seaside Meets the Peaks

One of the joys of the sixes route is how quickly the atmosphere changes from place to place. Matlock Bath has a seaside feel to it - a Victorian resort town squeezed into a narrow gorge, complete with fish and chip shops, arcades and riverside promenades. On sunny weekends it buzzes with bikers, walkers and families.

The Heights of Abraham cable cars rise above the valley, offering panoramic views across the limestone hills, while nearby walking routes lead towards High Tor and the dramatic cliffs overlooking the Derwent.

For something a little different pop for a refreshing swim at the New Bath Hotel outdoor lido - a rare and historic gem, the pool is fed directly by the site’s natural geothermal spring.

For little one’s don’t miss the fun at Gulliver’s Kingdom - enjoy adrenaline-fueled adventures all with spectacular views thanks to the impressive hillside setting.

Matlock – a thriving market town

Just along the road, Matlock itself feels calmer and more spacious. Hall Leys Park offers a peaceful stop by the river, and the town makes a useful base for longer walks into the surrounding countryside.

Or simply explore the pretty streets full of small, independent shops, and a host of cafés, pubs and restaurants in which to relax.

Or why not discover the Magic of Steam & Diesel and Experience with a fantastic day out for the whole family at Peak Rail.

Rowsley and Bakewell: The Perfect Finale

As the bus continues north, the landscape opens out into classic White Peak scenery — green valleys, grazing sheep and honey-coloured villages. Rowsley makes a lovely intermediate stop, especially for walkers heading towards Chatsworth or the Peak Village shopping area.

Eventually, the route arrives in Bakewell — perhaps Derbyshire’s most famous market town. And yes, the pudding shops really are worth visiting. The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop attracts visitors from across the country, but Bakewell itself offers far more than dessert. The riverside paths, stone bridges and independent shops make it an easy place to spend a relaxed afternoon before catching the bus home. Make an evening of it and take a stroll along the river to the Thornbridge Tap Room, serving Thornbridge brewery fresh beer across Cask and Keg and handmade pizzas, they also offer daily brewery tours.

From Bakewell you can also access the Monsal Trail, one of the Peak District’s best traffic-free walking and cycling routes.

What makes the sixes special isn’t just the scenery — it’s the flexibility.

• Purchase a zigzag ticket and you can travel anywhere across trentbarton land all day for £8.80, a duo ticket is just £14.50 and up to 5 people can travel all day for £18.90
• Hop on and off throughout the day
• Combine walks with short bus journeys
• Avoid expensive parking in Peak District hotspots
• Explore smaller towns that many visitors drive straight past

Planning Your Trip

The sixes network runs between Derby, Belper, Wirksworth, Matlock and Bakewell, with frequent services on the section between Derby and Belper and hourly services extending further into Derbyshire. Official route maps and timetables are available on trentbarton’s website.

If you’re visiting Derbyshire without a car, the sixes proves something important: some of the best journeys happen when you stop rushing and simply enjoy the ride. With some great accommodation along the route you might want to stay a little longer.